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arbob5

OK, I'm retired, married 50 years, was dx with UC four years ago. It is now under control (not a complete remission, but so close!!!), and I love this site.

Two children, five grandkids who are the light of my life, as well as our pooch, Bella, an 3 year old Maltipoo who literally "runs" our life. We adore her, and just look at that face of hers. Adorable is not nearly enough to describe her. She's fun, funny, ridiculous at times, and most of all, she keeps us going!!!! So important when you're retired.

I enjoy cooking for family and friends, reading, especially Evanovich and James Patterson books, love country music of all kinds, really enjoy fishing at our daughter's lake house in Michigan, and truly, truly enjoy my computer.

This past February, as indicated above, we celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary, and our dear kids and grandkids really threw us quite a party. They had it at a banquet hall, and it was a mini wedding reception. Beautiful setting with all of our close family and friends. Open bar, 5 course delicious meal, beautiful cake, and as a huge surprise, they gave us a trip to wherever we wanted to go! Well, that brought me to tears. We still haven't taken the trip because I had hip replacement surgery on July 16, and we delayed it because of that. I was in so much pain before the surgery that a trip was not going to happen until we could enjoy it. It's on the horizon in the next month or two. Can't describe how much we love our kids and grandkids! They're absolutely the best.

Congrats on completing nursing school. To be honest, and to use the old phrase (time flies), it seems like yesterday when you started nursing school. And defending you was so easy. You have experienced it yourself. And jan201136, follow up with your Dr. as Hanna suggests. Keep us posted on how you're doing, OK?View Thread

Hanna does know what she's talking about. She's been there done that and is in school now to become a nurse. And I am absolutely certain that she will be a super nurse. She has had her problems, had surgeries, and still persists and doesn't let it get her down. She is a positive person. I'm certain she had her "bad" days, but she continues to be positive, and you can be sure she will give you good advice.View Thread

I reported twice, and the "junk" just didn't disappear. I don't get on this site that often anymore. The reason? Lately nothing new or interesting, or informative. Plus the "junk". Hope this changes soon.View Thread

I was diagnosed with UC almost 6 years ago. I had a terrible time getting it under control, but when I started on Dr. Swanson's Ultimate Formula probiotics, they helped so much, that my Dr., who was so-so about probiotics, now suggests them for other patients. Unfortunately, they don't help everyone, but I would say they do make a difference in the majority of those I've recommended them to. Hopefully you will be someone who really benefits from their use.

Right now, I am dealing with a C Diff infection, which is a bacterial infection usually caused by antibiotic use. It causes moderate to severe watery diarrhea. I had open heart surgery a couple of months ago, aortic valve replacement, and received antibiotics then, and also, this infection is quite common, and very contagious, at hospitals. The surgery was really much, much easier than I expected it to be, and I was home in 4 days. Recovery depends on how much rehab the patient gets. I'm one of the lucky ones. I was able to get rehab at home and these therapists were strict, but that helped the healing process tremendously.

I'm on an antibiotic now for the C Diff, Flagyl, which does take care of C Diff infections and isn't a n antibiotic that can cause it, and hopefully this med will help. I have to take 3 a day for two weeks.

Anyway, I can highly recommend probiotics. There are many on the market, but Dr. Swanson's made a difference for me.

If you do try them, or another one over the counter, let us know how you're doing, ok? We can all learn and help others here that may have the same or similar problems.View Thread

I sleep better on my stomach. I guess we're all different, but it was my gastro Dr's nurse that suggested it. I hadn't slept on my stomach in years, but after complaining about my awful sleep habits since I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 5 years ago, I decided to give it a try. It was successful for me. This is when I'm having a flare, which is right now. It does get me through the night tho. If I try either side or my back, I'm back and forth to the john all night.

You just have to find what is best for you. And Sheba is right...being nervous and having a lot of anxiety is not helping your situation at all. Think positive...this is so important. If you go to bed thinking negative about what you think is ahead of the rest of the night for you, you will more than likely have a bad night. Thinking positive works for me. I just keeping telling myself that it's going to be OK.

Give it a try...don't think negative thoughts before you go to bed or when you do retire. That doesn't help your situation at all. Keep us posted on how you're doing. We do care.View Thread

Dr. Swansons Ultimate Formula Probiotics. You can now get 3 for $30. At least I think that price is still there. They were $15 each bottle, 30 capsules, so the price is now quite good.

I will keep recommending them. They are great. I also take Imodium when I think it is necessary, but certainly not everyday, or more than 3 or 4 a day. I'm in a semi-remission now and have been for quite awhile. Feel great and everyday I thank my Dr., Lialda and the probiotics.View Thread

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